Keep on praying
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
by Pastor Robin Stelzer
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Suffering? … keep on praying about it’ (James 5:13)
Paul and Kim were in Fiji recently. Suddenly, getting home became their emergency. God’s way of responding may not be with a flight ticket, but he does always fly you to his heart, his promises and his peace. Paul and Kim were drawn to Psalm 91. Kim called the airline. With people around the world all trying to return home, flights were full. She was told to try tomorrow. Suddenly, a minute later, the phone rang. ‘We just had a cancellation. You can fly.’ With joy and relief they thanked God for a miracle. Paul explained, ‘We took a snap of the number by using the other phone. It was all sevens, God’s number in the Bible. Thinking how strange it was, we tried that number the next day. There was no connection, no such number. God had outstretched his arms to us.’
Christ longs for us to stay connected with him by prayer. Right now we are struggling with many kinds of suffering: fears, isolation, turmoil, anxiety, confusion. The prayer connection brings miracles. The one we most need is God’s love and nearness – for times of crisis as well as calm.
‘The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results’ (James 5:16).
Now is a time of miracles. Strangers and friends reach out with care. Medical and service staff take health risks to help. We are breaking out of our modern privacy, despite looking from behind face masks and manoeuvring around the rules of separation. Let’s encourage each other, and thank God!
Prayer is not a duty, but a gift of connection with Christ. He makes us all part of his answer of love for us, and those around us who are suffering. So we keep on praying.
Risen Lord Jesus, we hear you calling us back to the constant closeness of your love. Break us out of our privacy to recognise your great power and wonderful results as we keep on praying. Amen.
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